Africa

Defeated M23 Rebels soldiers in a camp in Rwanda in 2013

Over 2013 the Rwandan Government was increasingly isolated by many Western governments and African leaders over its role in perpetuating insecurity in the Great Lakes Region of Africa. 10 Years later, the history appears to repeat itself and even may lead to more actions by the international community. After a worldwide agreement on the invasion of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) by the Rwandan Defense Forces (RDF) under the cover of the M23 rebels, the focus has been shifted to  the actions the United Nations Security Council plans to take against the Rwandan military leaders.  The question now is: when will the sanctions be enacted and who will be targeted?

Gen Murasira and Lt Colonel Juvenal Marizamunda Handover in Kigali, Rwanda, Jun 7, 2023

Rwandan dictator General  Paul Kagame has launched a major shakeup of the country's military,  with a series of firing and dismissals and a reshuffle of the military leadership, including the appointment of a new defense minister, army chief and head of internal security. The actions by General Paul Kagame did not come as a surprise. 

In fact, after almost 3 decades of respite, apart a few here and there, waves of military coups and coup attempts have returned in Africa, again. The stakes are high and some leaders, especially those labelled dictators, are already preparing for potential coups against their reign, readying and organizing their close associates and family members for the worst scenarios. One of these leaders is the Rwandan dictator General Paul Kagame,  who has been keeping a pretty low profile but did not hide his worries during recent interviews with the media. 

Defeated M23 Rebels soldiers in a camp in Rwanda in 2013

Over 2013 the Rwandan Government was increasingly isolated by many Western governments and African leaders over its role in perpetuating insecurity in the Great Lakes Region of Africa. 10 Years Later, the history appears to repeat itself. The question now is: are we ready for the dire dynamics in the region?